Day 1 | 22 SEPTEMBER 2025
Her Power. Africa’s Future.
07:30 - 08:30 Registration & Refreshments
08:30 - 08:40 Moderators Welcome | Gugulethu Mfuphi, South African award winning Broadcaster & Financial journalist
08:40 - 08:45 Organisers Welcome Address | Ralf Fletcher, CEO, Topco Media
08:50 - 09:00 Host Province Address |Nonnie Kubeka, Executive Director: Gauteng Convention and Events Bureau
09:00 - 09:10 Standard Bank Address | Simone Cooper, Head, Business and Commercial Banking South Africa, Standard Bank Group
09:10 - 09:15 Merseta Keynote Address |Disa Mpande, CFO, merSETA
09:15 - 09:45 Opening Panel Discussion | Catalysts of Change: Women Entrepreneurs Redefining Africa’s Growth Story
This powerful kickoff will spotlight bold women who are challenging entrenched norms and building impactful ventures, from side hustles to multinational enterprises. Panelists will unpack how inclusive leadership, access to capital, and ecosystem support enable women to catalyze transformative change across communities and industries.
Moderator: Gugulethu Mfuphi, South African award winning Broadcaster & Financial journalist
Panelists:
● Naledzani Mosomane, Head Enterprise and Supplier Development, Business and Commercial Banking, Standard Bank South Africa
● Thelma Bamhare, Programme Lead, Graça Machel Trust
● Jackie Motsepe, COO, KwaZulu-Natal Tourism And Film Authority
● Adv. Nthabiseng Sepanya Mogale, Chairperson, Commission For Gender Equality
09:45 - 09:55 Deputy Minister’s Address | Equality in Action: Advancing Women, Youth, and Disability Inclusion in Africa’s Economy
Delivered by Honourable Deputy Minister Mmapaseka Letsike, this keynote explores how empowering women isn’t just a social imperative, it’s the foundation of sustainable economic growth Through impactful policies and public–private partnerships, South Africa is reshaping systems to elevate women, youth, and persons with disabilities setting a bold example for the continent
Speaker: Hon. Mmapaseka Letsike, Deputy Minister of Women, Youth, and Persons with Disabilities
09:55 - 10:25 A Top Women Table Talk with Rachel Kolisi, Co-Founder of the Kolisi Foundation and Gugulethu Mfuphi, South African award winning Broadcaster & Financial journalist on “Redefining Power: Women, Leadership, and Lasting Change”
10:25 - 10:26 Top Women Power Pause - by Phillipa Feher from Mr Price Sport - A guided one-minute mindful meditation - a chance to close your eyes, breathe deeply, and reset before diving back into the conference
10:31 - 11:00
Hosted by: PitchPower Networking
PitchPower Networking is an interactive session where guests are invited to the stage to deliver rapid two-minute lightning pitches about their business, product, or service to a room full of peers, potential partners, and investors. The high-energy format is designed to maximise exposure for entrepreneurs, spark targeted connections, and turn networking into real business opportunities. The strict time limit sharpens each pitch for clarity and impact, ensuring every idea lands powerfully
11:00 - 11:30 NETWORKING COFFEE BREAK
11:30 - 12:10
Hosted by merSETA Panel Discussion | Skills to Scale: Equipping Women Entrepreneurs for Industrial Innovation
From engineering to manufacturing, industrial sectors hold immense opportunities for female-led SMEs This session will explore how technical training, vocational hubs, and market access empower women to thrive in high-impact sectors, and how upskilling fuels national competitiveness and regional transformation
Moderator: Gugulethu Mfuphi, South African award winning Broadcaster & Financial journalist
Panellists:
● Disa Mpande, CFO, merSETA
● Bronwin Abrahams, Manager: Western Cape, merSETA
● Kirtida Bhana, Head of the Academy for Learning and Development, Plastics SA
● Elani Van Der Laan, Standard Bank Head, Legal & Account Sector, Business and Commercial Bank, SA
12:10 - 12:50
Hosted by merchants Panel Discussion | Intentional Leadership: Bridging Culture and Results
This session will explore how intentional leadership shapes organisational success through strong cultures that drive results Panellists will share strategies for collaboration, empowerment, and values-driven practices, highlighting real-world examples and common challenges. Attendees will gain actionable insights to build trust, transparency, and continuous growth making culture a powerful driver of long-term success
Moderator: Gugulethu Mfuphi, South African award winning Broadcaster & Financial journalist
Panellists:
● Sagree Pillay, Principle Business Unit Head, Merchants
● Eteboheng Llale, Vice President Finance, Merchants
● Lindi Monyae, Executive, Liberty Corporate Benefits
12:50 - 13:05
Hosted by Bridging & Associates
SheLeads Dialogue |Beyond the Glass Ceiling: Redefining Leadership and Innovation
This session spotlights women who are challenging traditional power structures and reshaping what it means to lead in the 21st century. These trailblazers are not just breaking barriers, they’re building new models of leadership rooted in inclusivity, innovation, and impact.
Moderator: Gugulethu Mfuphi, South African award winning Broadcaster & Financial journalist
Speaker:
● Antoinette Roberts, CEO, Bridging & Associates
13:05 - 14:00 NETWORKING LUNCHEON
14:00 - 14:01 Top Women Power Pause: Stretch & Reset by Phillipa Feher from Mr Price Sport - A guided one-minute movement break to stand, stretch, and release tension. Re-energize your body and mind before diving back into the conference after lunch.
14:01 - 14:11 Top Women Power Talk |She thrives in tech
14:11 - 14:51
Hosted by Harmony Gold
Speaker: Takalani (Taki) Netshitenzhe, Vodacom South Africa: Director External and Regulatory Affairs & Chairperson Vodacom Foundation
Panel Discussion |Leading with Purpose: Gender Empowerment as a Business Catalyst
Success is more than profit, it’s people Hear from women CEOs, founders, and investors who are designing companies with impact, inclusivity, and intentional leadership. Discover how visionary cultures accelerate growth and inspire loyalty in both customers and teams.
Moderator: Gugulethu Mfuphi, South African award winning Broadcaster & Financial journalist
Panellists:
● Dr Urishanie Govender, Chief Sustainability Officer, Harmony Gold
● Reshni Singh, CEO, Business Process Enabling South Africa (BPESA)
● Lebo Letsaolo, Global Supply Chain Coach
14:51 - 14:56 Top Women Power Talk | Akhona Qengqe, General Manager, KFC Africa
14:56 - 15:35
Hosted by KFC Africa
Panel Discussion |Women Leading Impact: Feeding Potential Inside-Out
This session celebrates women leaders driving change with purpose and impact. Panellists will share how equity, mentorship, and community investment fuel growth, inclusion, and dignity showcasing the ripple effect of empowered leadership in building a more equitable future.
Moderator: Gugulethu Mfuphi, South African award winning Broadcaster & Financial journalist
Panelists:
● Nolo Thobejane, Chief People, Culture and Purpose Officer, KFC Africa
● Akhona Qengqe, General Manager, KFC Africa
● Alexia Shuenyane, Commercial Director, Bidvest Services South Africa
15:35 - 15:50
Hosted by SAA
Top Women Power Talk | Flying Forward: Transforming Aviation Through Gender Empowerment and Inclusive Innovation
This session explores how fostering gender diversity and inclusive innovation is shaping the future of aviation Learn strategies to empower women, unlock untapped talent and drive sustainable growth in an industry ready to soar beyond traditional boundaries
Speaker: Mpho Letlape, HR Executive, South African Airways
15:50 - 16:00 Top Women Power Talk | Mia De Lange, General Manager, Guerbet South Africa
16:00 - 16:30
Hosted by Guerbet South Africa Panel Discussion | The Role of Advanced Imaging in Transforming Women’s Healthcare
This session explores how advanced imaging technologies are revolutionizing women’s healthcare, focusing on innovations that improve early detection, diagnosis, and treatment. It will address the specific health challenges women face in South Africa and discuss how advanced imaging solutions can play a key role in enhancing health outcomes. This session aims to highlight the transformative impact of medical imaging on women’s health, equity, and access to care.
Moderator: Gugulethu Mfuphi, South African award winning Broadcaster & Financial journalist
Panellists:
● Mia De Lange, General Manager, Guerbet South Africa
● Noelene Kotschan, CEO & Founder, Pink Drive
● Natasha Perold, Business Developer, Brand Ambassador, Mrs South Africa Semi-Finalist
● Dr Matondo Muyingi, Radiologist, Proscan
16:30 MODERATOR’S CLOSING REMARKS | Gugulethu Mfuphi, South African award winning Broadcaster & Financial journalist
END OF CONFERENCE DAY 1 OF 2
Day 2 | 23 SEPTEMBER 2025
Her Power. Africa’s Future.
08:00 – 09:10 Registration & Refreshments
09:00 - 09:05 Moderators Welcome | Gugulethu Mfuphi, South African award winning Broadcaster & Financial journalist
Standard Bank Top Women Publication Launch | Unveiling Two Decades of Impact
Fiona Wakelin, Group Editor for Topco Media & Judy Twaambo Chileshe, Head of Brand at Topco Media
09:05 - 09:15 Standard Bank Address |Jenine Zachar, Head, Value Propositions & Client Experience, Standard Bank, Business and Commercial Bank, SA
09:15 - 09:30 Deputy Minister’s Address |Empowerment Through Education: Unlocking South Africa’s Next Generation
Education is the foundation of empowerment and empowerment is the cornerstone of progress. In this keynote, the Deputy Minister of Higher Education will examine how higher learning institutions and vocational training can drive gender equity, youth inclusion, and sustainable development. By aligning education with industry needs, fostering innovation, and dismantling systemic barriers, South Africa can build a more resilient, future-ready workforce. This keynote challenges leaders to see education not only as a tool for learning, but as a lever for lasting social and economic transformation
Speaker: Dr. Nomusa Dube-Ncube, Deputy Minister of Higher Education and Training
09:30 - 10:00 Panel Discussion | Breaking the Glass Ceiling: Women Redesigning Africa’s Financial Future
Money meets meaning in this dynamic discussion featuring women leading financial services, impact funds, and high-growth ventures Discover how they’re breaking silos, building equity-driven models, and mentoring the next generation of finance leaders.
Moderator: Gugulethu Mfuphi, South African award winning Broadcaster & Financial journalist
Panelists:
● Ayanda Mafuleka, CEO, Financial Accounting Services Seta (FASSET)
● Zanele Gigaba, Transformation Manager, South African Insurance Association
● Kaone Lekalake, Executive Vice President, Client Coverage, Corporate and Investment Banking, KwaZulu Natal, Standard Bank Group
10:00 - 10:01 Top Women Power Pause by Phillipa Feher from Mr Price Sport - A guided one-minute mindful meditation - a chance to close your eyes, breathe deeply, and reset before diving back into the conference
10:01 - 10:30
Hosted by: PitchPower Networking
PitchPower Networking is an interactive session where guests are invited to the stage to deliver rapid two-minute lightning pitches about their business, product, or service to a room full of peers, potential partners, and investors. The high-energy format is designed to maximise exposure for entrepreneurs, spark targeted connections, and turn networking into real business opportunities. The strict time limit sharpens each pitch for clarity and impact, ensuring every idea lands powerfully.
10:30 - 11:00 NETWORKING REFRESHMENTS BREAK
11:00 - 11:20
Hosted by
SheLeads Dialogue |Leading Sustainability Through Enterprise
This dialogue dives into how women entrepreneurs are embedding sustainability into their business models, from eco-packaging to social upliftment. Learn how business leaders balance profit and planet to shape resilient companies that redefine their sectors
Moderator: Gugulethu Mfuphi, South African award winning Broadcaster & Financial journalist
Speaker: Relebohile Malahleha, Executive Strategic Finance, Barloworld Limited
11:20 - 11:50
Hosted by: Vodacom
Panel Discussion | Powering Gender Equality Through Technology: Unlocking Africa’s Next Growth Frontier
This panel explores how technology is driving gender equality across Africa Experts will discuss how digital tools, connectivity, and fintech empower women entrepreneurs, close the skills gap, and create new leadership opportunities. Through real-world examples and success stories, the discussion will highlight how tech is transforming lives, advancing inclusion, and shaping Africa’s next frontier of growth
Moderator: Gugulethu Mfuphi, South African award winning Broadcaster & Financial journalist
Speakers:
● Zandile Mkwanazi, CEO, GirlCode
● Charlotte Kepadisa, Managing Executive: Big Data, AI &RPA, Vodacom
● Kume Luvhani, Co-Founder & Executive Director, Vaxowave
11:50 - 12:05 Top Women Power Talk | Future-Fit Female Leadership: The Neuro-Inclusive Advantage
Neurodivergence is rising among women leaders, yet bias, misdiagnosis, and lack of support drive burnout and career exits Many mask traits due to flawed assessments and missing research on hormonal impacts Sarah reframes neurodivergence as a hidden strength for future-ready leadership With real cases, humour, and practical tools, she equips organisations to unlock inclusion and performance Participants leave with a 90-day playbook to boost engagement and innovation while reducing burnout, attrition, and missed disability targets in women’s leadership
Speaker: Dr Sarah Babb, Co-Founder and MD of Stimm
12:05 - 12:45
Hosted by: Telkom
Panel Discussion | Inclusion by Design: Building a Digital Economy that Works for Women
This discussion explores how South Africa can build a truly inclusive digital economy by ensuring that policies, platforms, and products are designed with women at the centre It will highlight the importance of embedding inclusivity into every stage of digital innovation – from policy frameworks to technology development – to unlock opportunities for women as entrepreneurs, professionals, and consumers The session will also showcase Telkom’s vision for a connected and empowered South Africa, where access to technology and digital tools enables women to participate fully in the economy, drive innovation, and contribute to sustainable growth
Moderator: Gugulethu Mfuphi, South African award winning Broadcaster & Financial journalist
Panelists:
● Mpho McNamee, Group Chief Corporate Affairs Officer, Telkom
● Mamello Mofokeng, CEO, Spana!
● Sandiso Sibisi, Innovator, Entrepreneur, Humanitarian
● Daily Ramasia, Group Executive: Group Reward & Performance Management, Telkom
● Nomso Kana, Founder of Simsciex Technologies
12:45 - 13:00
Hosted By:
Mashudu Tinyiko Consulting
Top Woman Power Talk | Breaking Barriers in Finance and Procurement: How Women Can Reshape Africa’s Business Future
Finance, procurement, and supply chain management are among the most powerful drivers of organisational success, yet women remain significantly underrepresented in leadership roles across these sectors As businesses strive for resilience, transparency, and sustainable growth, empowering women in these fields is not just a social imperative but a strategic advantage
Nonhlanhla Nkadimeng, CEO of Mashudu Tinyiko Consulting, brings deep expertise in finance consulting, supply chain management, and governance to explore how women leaders can unlock innovation, strengthen compliance, and transform Africa’s business landscape
Speaker: Nonhlanhla Nkadimeng, CEO, Mashudu Tinyiko Consulting
13:00 - 13:45 NETWORKING LUNCHEON
13:45 - 13:46 Top Women Power Pause: Stretch & Reset Phillipa Feher from Mr Price Sport - A guided one-minute movement break to stand, stretch, and release tension. Re-energize your body and mind before diving back into the conference after lunch.
13:46 - 14:06
Hosted by
Enel Green SheLeads Dialogue | Powering Women Entrepreneurs: Turning Renewable Energy into Business Opportunities
The renewable energy transition is a powerful engine for women-led entrepreneurship, offering new markets, supply chain opportunities, and skills pathways Enel Green Power sees women not just as participants but as leaders in shaping a sustainable, inclusive green economy by breaking down barriers to funding, knowledge, and partnerships, and connecting them directly to tangible business opportunities in the energy sector
Moderator: Gugulethu Mfuphi, South African award winning Broadcaster & Financial journalist
Speakers:
● Caroline Nhlane, Head of Communications, Enel Green Power South Africa
● Mantwa Mathebula, Head of Sustainability, Enel Green Power South Africa
14:06 - 14:20
Hosted by ENS
SheLeadsDialogue | The Future of Work: Equity, Policy, and the Legal Levers of Change
Workplaces are being redefined by technology, shifting demographics, and evolving employee expectations But without equity at the centre, progress risks leaving women behind This panel explores the role of law and policy as powerful levers for advancing workplace equality, from pay parity to parental rights, workplace safety, and flexible models of work Panellists will uncover how legal frameworks can be harnessed to drive fairness, productivity, and resilience in the future of work
Speaker: Pareen Rogers, Executive: Employment, ENS
14:20 - 14:50 Panel Discussion |Next Gen Builders: Youth-Led Enterprises Reshaping Africa’s Economic DNA
Africa’s economic future lies in its youth. This energetic panel brings together entrepreneurs, educators, and ecosystem enablers who are igniting young changemakers through startup support, mentorship, and scalable innovation
Moderator: Gugulethu Mfuphi, South African award winning Broadcaster & Financial journalist
Speakers:
● Tshiamo Molanda, Head: Youth and Mass Market Clients, Standard Bank South Africa
● Summer Clifford Kotzé, Director, Jenna Clifford
● Kefilwe Mabote, Entrepreneur and Digital Content Creator
● Chrissy Dube, Chief Stakeholders, Projects & Advocacy Officer, Good Governance Africa
14:50 - 15:10 SheLeadsDialogue | Closing the Digital Divide: Empowering Women to Lead Africa’s Tech Future
This session will explore how women can be at the forefront of Africa’s rapidly evolving technology landscape The session will feature insights from the CEO of Rekindle Learning and Lisel Engelbrecht, CIO SA: Data, Analytics & AI at Standard Bank Group, who will discuss strategies to bridge the gender gap in tech, unlock opportunities in data, analytics, and AI, and equip women with the skills, mentorship, and resources needed to lead innovation across the continent Attendees will gain actionable guidance on building inclusive tech ecosystems, fostering digital leadership, and driving Africa’s economic growth through empowered women in technology.
Speakers:
● Lisel Engelbrecht, CIO SA: Data, Analytics & AI at Standard Bank Group
● Sally Nhlanhla, CEO, Rekindle Learning
15:10 - 15:50 Panel Discussion | Leveling the Playing Field: How Workplace Health, Wellness, and Fitness Policies Drive Productivity and Equity
Workplace wellness programmes are strategic investments, not just perks They are like training for athletes: they help all employees perform at their best These programmes include exercise options, mental health support and fair policies to improve health and reduce burnout and turnover. When everyone has equal access, it creates a more engaged, productive and inclusive workplace. In short, prioritising employee wellness creates a level playing field and unlocks the full potential of your entire team.
Moderator: Malebu Makgalemela, Group Executive:Enterprise Risk Management, Telkom SA
Panelists:
● Akhona "She Ref" Makalima, Founder, SheRef Her Legacy Foundation
● Philippa Feher, Head of Marketing, Mr Price Sport
● Sundrie Naidoo, Head of People, Discovery Vitality
● Fatima Collins, Project Manager for women in mining, Sibanye-Stillwater
15:50 - 16:10 SheLeadsDialogue | Media Makers: Women Building Africa’s Creative Economy
This conversation spotlights women disrupting media as founders, producers, and digital content leaders Explore how storytelling becomes strategy, driving cultural currency, economic impact, and pan-African influence.
Moderator: Mokoena Moloto, Founder, Brave Voices
Speakers:
● Ntokozo Maseko, Editor-In-Chief, Robb Report Africa
● Mmanaledi Mataboge-Mashetla, News Editor, eNCA
16:10-16:15 MODERATOR’S CLOSING REMARKS | Gugulethu Mfuphi, South African award winning Broadcaster & Financial journalist